Clicking it on: Police stunned drivers not wearing seatbelts

After completing a journalism degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast, I joined the Sunshine Coast Daily in 2010. As the Daily’s police reporter, the round is unprectible, diverse and challenging, but also exciting and is a dream position for me. In between heading to emergency incidents, I love getting the chance to write about amateur and professional theatre and the arts. I’ve also worked in various community roles at the Caboolture News, Buderim Chronicle and Caloundra Weekly. Having...

The Queensland Police Service says drivers are 10 times more likely to be killed in a road crash if they are not wearing a seatbelt.

"It would be safe to say that every driver and every adult passenger of a motor vehicle would be aware that seatbelts must be worn when they travelling on the road," Acting Sgt Johnston said.

"It has been proven that seatbelts save lives and serious injury if the vehicle is involved in a crash, however each year, police on the Sunshine Coast are still fining drivers and passengers for not wearing a seatbelt or having the seatbelt incorrectly fitted.

"Numerous fatalities have occurred on the Coast as a direct result of not wearing seatbelts."

Reader poll

Should delivery drivers have to wear a seatbelt?

This poll ended on 30 June 2015.

Current Results

No, it's impractical

14%

Yes, same rule for everyone, they're still in a car

73%

I had no idea they didn't have to, doesn't bother me

12%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

The fine for failing to wear a seatbelt is $341 and three demerit points.

A driver can also be issued the same fine for failing to ensure their passenger is wearing a seatbelt.

Not only should seatbelts be worn while the car is moving forward, but they need to be fitted correctly.

Wearing a seatbelt under the arm is deemed to be incorrectly fitted and adjusted and the same penalty applies as if the person were not wearing the seatbelt at all.

But there are some seatbelt exceptions.

A driver who is engaged in door-to-door deliver or collection of goods, waste or garbage and that person is required to get in or out of the vehicle at frequent intervals does not need to wear a seatbelt.

The vehicle must not be travelling at more than 25kmh. T

axi drivers are exempt from wearing a seatbelt while they are carrying one or more passengers.

Not only should seatbelts be worn while the car is moving forward, but they need to be fitted correctly.

Wearing a seatbelt under the arm is deemed to be incorrectly fitted and adjusted and the same penalty applies as if the person were not wearing the seatbelt at all.